Apparatus for fabricating a multi-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly

ABSTRACT

While clamped by a clamping jig  100 , polarization-maintaining fiber cables  11  and  12  are automatically oriented with an orientation adjusting unit  200  and then heated by a heater  105  for curing thermoset resins.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus forfabricating a multi-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly andparticularly, to a method and an apparatus for easily fabricating amulti-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly which has aplurality of polarization-maintaining fiber cables assembled integrallyby a multi-fiber ferrule.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly having twopolarization-maintaining optical fiber cables assembled integrally by atwo-fiber ferrule is fabricated in a conventional manner which comprisesthe steps of:

[0003] (1) removing covers a few centimeters from the leading end ofeach of the two polarization-maintaining fiber cables;

[0004] (2) filling a thermoset resin in an inner space of the two-fiberferrule;

[0005] (3) inserting the two polarization-maintaining fiber cables intothe inner space of the two-fiber ferrule and inserting their exposedfiber portions into corresponding fiber holes of the two-fiber ferrule;

[0006] (4) clamping the two-fiber ferrule so as not to be rotated andaxially rotating each of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables todetermine the orientation of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables;

[0007] (5) heating up the two-fiber ferrule to cure the thermoset resin.

[0008] However, the conventional method for fabricating a two-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly has the following disadvantages.

[0009] (1) The step of inserting the exposed fiber portions of thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables into the corresponding fiber holesof the two-fiber ferrule is troublesome.

[0010] (2) The step of adjusting the orientation of each of thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables is troublesome.

[0011] (3) The step of curing the thermoset resin is troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a methodand an apparatus for fabricating with much ease a multi-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly which has a plurarity ofpolarization-maintaining fiber cables assembled integrally by amulti-fiber ferrule.

[0013] As a first feature of the present invention, a method offabricating a multi-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly isprovided comprising: (1) a cover removal step for removing covers a fewcentimeters at one end from a plurality of polarization-maintainingfiber cables with difference of a few millimeters; (2) an assembly stepfor inserting the polarization-maintaining fiber cables intocorresponding insertion holes of a holder tube, holding them integrallywith their exposed fiber portions arranged abreast at proximal end, andsealing the leading end of the insertion holes of the holder tube with athermoset resin which is relatively high in the viscosity; (3) anadhesive filling step for filling an inner space of a multi-fiberferrule with a thermoset resin which is relatively low in the viscosity;(4) a fiber cable insertion step for inserting thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables assembled integral with the holdertube into the inner space of the multi-fiber ferrule, and insertingthier exposed fiber portions into corresponding fiber holes of themulti-fiber ferrule; (5) an orientation adjustment step for, whileclamping the multi-fiber ferrule with a clamping jig not to be rotated,rotating each of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables to determineits orientation; and (6) an adhesive curing step for heating up themulti-fiber ferrule remaining clamped by the clamping jig to cure thethermoset resins.

[0014] The method of fabricating a multi-fiber polarization-maintainingfiber assembly of the first feature of the present invention hasfollowing advantages.

[0015] (1) The holder tube holds the polarization-maintaining fibercables, thus the process for inserting the polarization-maintainingfiber cables into the inner space of the multi-fiber ferrule is eased.

[0016] (2) As the covers are removed a few centimeters at one end fromthe polarization-maintaining fiber cables with difference of a fewmillimeters and the holder tube holds the polarization-maintaining fibercables integrally with their exposed fiber portions arranged abreast atproximal end, a difference of a few millimeters is occurred at a leadingends of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables held integrally by theholder tube. By this difference of the leading ends, the process forinserting the exposed fiber portions of the polarization-maintainingfiber cables into the corresponding fiber holes of the multi-fiberferrule is eased.

[0017] (3) The thermoset resin which is relatively low in the viscosityis filled in the inner space of the multi-fiber ferrule, thus thethermoset resin hardly disturbs the insertion of the exposed fiberportions of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables into thecorresponding fiber holes.

[0018] (4) The leading end of the insertion holes of the holder tube issealed with the thermoset resin which is relatively high in theviscosity, thus the thermoset resin which is relatively low in theviscosity is inhibited from being absorbed into the insertion hole ofthe holder tube.

[0019] (5) The clamping jig is used for adjusting the orientation ofeach polarization-maintaining filer cable, thus contributing to the easeof the operation.

[0020] (6) The thermoset resin is heated in condition with themulti-fiber ferrule secured by the clamping jig, thus easing theoperation.

[0021] As a second feature of the present invention, an apparatus forfabricating a multi-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly isprovided comprising a clamping jig and an orientation adjusting unit,the clamping jig including a ferrule clamping means for clamping amulti-fiber ferrule so as not to be rotated and a fiber cable clampingmeans for clamping polarization-maintaining fiber cables so as to berotated, the orientation adjusting unit including an imaging means forimaging a leading end of the polarization-maintaining fiber cablesclamped by the clamping jig, an image processing means for identifyingeach orientation of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables based onthe images of the leading end of the polarization-maintaining fibercables, and an orientation adjustment controlling means for controllablydriving the fiber cable clamping means to axially rotate each of thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables for automatically adjusting theorientation of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables.

[0022] Using the apparatus for fabricating a multi-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly of the second feature of thepresent invention, the method of fabricating a multi-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly of the first feature of thepresent invention can favorably be implemented. In particular, theorientation of each polarization-maintaining fiber cable isautomatically adjusted and a duration required for its action cansignificantly be shorter than that of the manual operation by anoperator.

[0023] As a third feature of the present invention, the apparatus forfabricating a multi-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly isprovided in which the orientation adjustment controlling means isarranged to axially rotate the polarization-maintaining fiber cables andwhen a stabilization time has been passed, check the orientation.

[0024] A length of the stabilization time may preferably be 3 to 30seconds.

[0025] There are adverse factors including the viscosity of thethermoset resin and the twist and return of the polarization-maintainingfiber cables. When the polarization-maintaining fiber cable is rotatedand then stopped, its rotating movement may cease not instantly butafter a delay.

[0026] Using the apparatus for fabricating a multi-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly of the third feature of thepresent invention, the method of fabricating a multi-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly of the first feature of thepresent invention can favorably be implemented. In particular, as thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables are axially rotated and when thestabilization time has been passed, its orientation is checked. As aresult, the adjustment of the orientation can be carried out accountingfor directional discrepancies of the polarization-maintaining fibercables caused with a delay due to the viscosity of the thermoset resinafter the axial rotation is stopped.

[0027] As a fourth feature of the present invention, an apparatus forfabricating a multi-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly isprovided in which the clamping jig includes a heating means for heatingup the multi-fiber ferrule clamped by the ferrule clamping means, andthe orientation adjusting unit includes a heatup controlling means forcontrollably driving the heating, after the orientation adjustment, toheat and cure the thermoset resins.

[0028] Using the apparatus for fabricating a multi-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly of the fourth feature of thepresent invention, the method of fabricating a multi-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly of the first feature of thepresent invention can favorably be implemented. In particular, thethermoset resin is automatically heated and cured after the automaticadjustment on the orientation of the polarization-maintaining fibercables and a duration required for the heating and curing cansignificantly be shorter than that of the manual operation by theoperator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029]FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing steps of a method of fabricating atwo-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of polarization-maintaining fibercables explaining a cover removal step in the embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 3 illustrates an end view and a side view of a holder tubeillustrating the first stage of an assembly step in the embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 4 illustrates an end view and a side view of a holder tubeillustrating the second stage of the assembly step in the embodiment;

[0033]FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a two-fiber ferrule explainingan adhesive filling step in the embodiment;

[0034]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the two-fiber ferruleexplaining the first stage of a fiber cable insertion step in theembodiment;

[0035]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the two-fiber ferruleexplaining the second stage of the fiber cable insertion step in theembodiment;

[0036]FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the two-fiber ferruleexplaining the third stage of the fiber cable insertion step in theembodiment;

[0037]FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an apparatus for fabricating atwo-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly according to thepresent invention;

[0038]FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the action of the apparatus forfabricating a two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assemblyaccording to the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an image of the leading end ofa first polarization-maintaining fiber;

[0040]FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing an image of stressedportions at the leading end of the first polarization-maintaining fiber;

[0041]FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an image of the leading end ofa second polarization-maintaining fiber;

[0042]FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing an image of stressedportions at the leading end of the second polarization-maintainingfiber;

[0043]FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing the determination of areference line for orientation adjustment of thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables;

[0044]FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing an angle between the tworeference lines for orientation adjustment of thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables;

[0045]FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing an image of thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables after the orientation adjustment;

[0046]FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing the leading end of a firstexample of a symmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiberassembly fabricated by the method of the present invention;

[0047]FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing the leading end of a secondexample of the symmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiberassembly fabricated by the method of the present invention;

[0048]FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the leading end of a thirdexample of the symmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiberassembly fabricated by the method of the present invention;

[0049]FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing the leading end of a firstexample of an asymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiberassembly fabricated by the method of the present invention;

[0050]FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing the leading end of a secondexample of the asymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiberassembly fabricated by the method of the present invention;

[0051]FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing the leading end of a thirdexample of the asymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiberassembly fabricated by the method of the present invention; and

[0052]FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing the leading end of a fourthexample of the asymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiberassembly fabricated by the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] The present invention will be described in more detail in theform of some preferred embodiments referring to the relevant drawings.It is understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments.

[0054]FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method of fabricating a two-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0055] In step P1, a cover removal step is carryied out.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, a cover 11 b of, for example, 5 cm long isremoved from one end of a first polarization-maintaining fiber cable 11to expose a first polarization-maintaining fiber 11 a. The leading endof the first polarization-maintaining fiber 11 a is cut vertically.

[0057] Similarly, a cover 12 b of, for example, 4.5 cm long is removedfrom one end of a second polarization-maintaining fiber cable 12 toexpose a second polarization-maintaining fiber 12 a. The leading end ofthe second polarization-maintaining fiber 12 a is cut vertically.

[0058] Accordingly, a difference in the length between the two exposedfiber portions 11 c and 12 c is, for example, 5 mm.

[0059] In step P2, an assembly step is carried out.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the first polarization-maintaining fibercable 11 and the second polarization-maintaining fiber cable 12 areinserted and held integrally in insertion holes 10 a and 11 b of aholder tube 10 made of nylon respectively with their proximal ends 11 dand 12 d of the exposed fiber portions 11 c and 12 c arranged abreast.As a result, the leading end 11 e of the first polarization-maintainingfiber cable 11 extends 5 mm from the leading end 12 e of the secondpolarization-maintaining fiber cable 12. FIG. 3(a) is a view seen fromthe leading end and FIG. 3(b) is a view seen from one side.

[0061] Then, the two insertion holes 10 a and 10 b are filled up at theleading end with a thermoset resin 4A which has a relatively highviscosity as shown in FIG. 4. The thermoset resin 4A may be“High-super”, a product of Cemedine co., ltd., having a viscosity of38000 cps. Also, FIG. 4(a) is a view seen from the leading end and FIG.4(b) is a view seen from one side.

[0062] In step P3, an adhesive filling step is carried out.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, a thermoset resin 4B which has a relative lowviscosity is injected into the inner space 1 a of a two-fiber ferrule 1which comprises a stainless steel tube 2 and a ceramic block 3 fixedlymounted to the leading end of the stainless steel tube 2. The thermosetresin 4B may be “3BND”, a product of Epoxy technology Inc., having aviscosity of 2000 cps. Simultaneously, when a first fiber hole 31 and asecond fiber hole 32 are vacuumed by the action of a vacuum pump, theyare easily filled up with the thermoset resin 4B.

[0064] In step P4, a fiber cable insertion step is carried out.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, the two polarization-maintaining fiber cables11 and 12 assembled by the holder tube 10 are inserted into the innerspace 1 a of the two-fiber ferrule 1 filled with the second thermosetresin 4B. More particularly, the leading end lie of the firstpolarization-maintaining fiber cable 11 is firstly inserted into thefirst fiber hole 31. Then,. the leading end 12 e of the secondpolarization-maintaining fiber cable 12 is inserted into the secondfiber hole 32 as shown in FIG. 7. Finally, the twopolarization-maintaining fibers 11 a and 12 a are inserted into thecorresponding fiber holes 31 and 32 until the leading ends lie and 12 eextend out, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0066] Then, excessive portions of the second thermoset resin 4B areremoved off from the leading ends 11 e and 12 e of the twopolarization-maintaining fibers 11 a and 12 a.

[0067] In step P5, an orientation adjustment step is carried out.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9, a two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiberassembly fabricating apparatus 300 comprises a clamping jig 100 and anorientation adjusting unit 200.

[0069] The clamping jig 100 has a ferrule holder 103 provided forclamping the two-fiber ferrule 1. The two-fiber ferrule 1 is clampedbetween upper plate and lower plate so as not to be rotated. Anillumination light 106 is provided for illuminating the covers 11 b and12 b of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables 11 and 12 at aposition just before inserted into the two-fiber ferrule 1.

[0070] The clamping jig 100 has a couple of fiber cable clamps 101 and102 provided for clamping the first polarization-maintaining fiber cable11 and the second polarization-maintaining fiber cable 12 respectively.Each of the two polarization-maintaining fiber cables 11 and 12 isclamped between upper and lower rolls. As the lower rolls are driven byservo motors 101 m and 102 m, the polarization-maintaining fiber cables11 and 12 can rotate about their axes respectively.

[0071] This is followed by actuating the orientation adjusting unit 200.

[0072]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the action of the orientationadjusting unit 200.

[0073] The action starts with Step Q1 for driving a processor 203 tofocus a microscope 201 on the leading end 11 e of the firstpolarization-maintaining fiber cable 11 which projects out from thetwo-fiber ferrule 1. An image of the leading end 11 e taken by themicroscope 201 is displayed on one half of the screen of a display 202as shown in FIG. 11.

[0074] Step Q2 follows where the image is analyzed by the processor 203to identify stressed portions 11 f, 11 f of the leading end 11 e of thefirst polarization-maintaining fiber cable 11. The two stressed portions11 f, 11 f are marked with a first pattern P1 and a second pattern P2respectively of a square shape as shown in FIG. 12.

[0075] In Step Q3, the processor 203 drives the microscope 201 to focuson the leading end 12 e of the second polarization-maintaining fibercable 12 which projects out from the two-fiber ferrule 1. The image ofthe leading end 12 e of the second polarization-maintaining fiber cable12 taken by the microscope 201 is displayed on the other half of thescreen of the display 202 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0076] In Step Q4, the processor 203 analyzes the image to identifystressed portions 12 f, 12 f of the leading end 12 e of the secondpolarization-maintaining fiber cable 12. The stressed portions 12 f, 12f are marked with a third pattern P3 and a fourth pattern P4 of a squareshape as shown in FIG. 14.

[0077] In Step Q5, the processor 203 determines a first reference lineL1 extending between the center of the first pattern P1 and the centerof the second pattern P2 as shown in FIG. 15. Also, a second referenceline L2 extending between the center of the third pattern P3 and thecenter of the fourth pattern P4 is determined. Moreover, a thirdreference line L3 extending between the center of the first referenceline L1 and the center of the second reference line L2 is determined.

[0078] In Step Q6, the processor 203 calculates a first angle θ1 of thethird reference line L3 turned clockwisely from the first reference lineL1 and a second angle θ2 of the third reference line L3 turnedclockwisely from the second reference line L2 as shown in FIG. 16.

[0079] In Step Q7, the processor 203 examines whether or not a firstangle difference (θ1−ψ1) between the first angle θ1 and a first targetangle ψ1 predetermined by an operator stays within a permissive range.Also, it is examined whether or not a second angle difference (θ2−ψ2)between the second angle θ2 and a second target angle ψ2 predeterminedby the operator stays within the permissive range. When both the firstand second angle differences (θ1−ψ1) and (θ2−ψ2) are within the range,the procedure jumps to Step Q11. If not, the procedure goes to Step Q8.

[0080] In Step Q8, the processor 203 calculates the rotating angles φ1and φ2 of the two servo motors 101 m and 102 m so that both the firstangle difference (θ1−ψ1) and the second angle difference (θ2−ψ2) stay inthe range.

[0081] In Step Q9, the processor 203 drives the servo motors 101 m and102 m via a motor controller 204 to rotate through the angles φ1 and φ2respectively.

[0082] In Step Q10, the processor 203 stands by until a specific lengthof time (e.g. six seconds) for stabilization passes and its procedurereturns back to Step Q6. This stabilization time allows thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables 11 and 12 to be subjected to theangular adjustment considering angular errors due to the viscosity ofthe thermoset resin after the action of the servo motors 101 m and 102 mis stopped. The angular errors can quickly be corrected to stay withinthe permissive range, as compared with the adjustment without thestabilization time.

[0083] Assuming that the first target angle ψ1 is 90 degrees and thesecond target angle ψ2 is zero degree, the leading ends 11 e and 12 e ofthe polarization-maintaining fiber cables 11 and 12 can be orientated asshown in FIG. 17.

[0084] In Step Q11, the processor 203 stands by until a specific lengthof time (e.g. thirty seconds) for confirmation passes before itsprocedure goes to Step Q12. Because of the conformation time, it can bejudged that both the first angle difference (θ1−ψ1) and the second angledifference (θ2−ψ2) stay in the permissive range even if the procedureskips Steps Q8 to Q10 as the first angle difference (θ1−ψ1) and thesecond angle difference (θ2−ψ2) accidentally fall in the permissiverange.

[0085] In Step Q12, the processor 203 calculates the first angle θ1 andthe second angle θ2.

[0086] In Step Q13, the procedure of the processor 203 advances to StepQ14 when both the first angle difference (θ1−ψ1) and the second angledifference (θ2−ψ2) stay in the permissive range and if not, returns backto Step S8.

[0087] In Steps Q14 to Q16, the processor 203 drives a heater controller205 to energize a heater 105 while monitoring a temperature sensor 104for heating and curing the thermoset resins 4A and 4B and then switchesthe heater 105 off.

[0088] The heater 105 may be operated in a range of conditions from at60° C. to at 80° C. and from for one hour to for two hours. When theheating is lower than 60° C. and shorter than one hour, the curingeffect will be declined. When the heating is higher than 80° C. andlonger than two hours, the fiber cables 11 and 12 may be affected in theproperties.

[0089] After Step Q16, the two-fiber ferrule 1 with the twopolarization-maintaining fiber cables 11 and 12 are removed from theclamping jig 100 and the leading end of the two-fiber ferrule 1 ispolished.

[0090]FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing the leading end of asymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly 501fabricated at ψ1=90° and ψ2=0°.

[0091]FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing the leading end of asymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly 502fabricated at ψ1=0° and ψ2=0°.

[0092]FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the leading end of asymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly 503fabricated at ψ1=90° and ψ2=90°.

[0093]FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing the leading end of anasymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly 504fabricated at ψ1=90° and ψ2=0°.

[0094]FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing the leading end of anasymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly 505fabricated at ψ1=0° and ψ2=0°.

[0095]FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing the leading end of anasymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly 506fabricated at ψ=90° and ψ2=90°.

[0096]FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing the leading end of anasymmetrical two-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly 507fabricated at ψ1=0° and ψ2=90°.

[0097] While the present invention is described in the form of a methodand an apparatus for fabricating the two-fiber polarization-maintainingfiber assembly, it may equally be applied to a method and an apparatusfor fabricating a three or more fibers polarization-maintaining fiberassembly.

[0098] The above embodiments are based on but not limited to panda-typepolarization-maintaining fibers and may employ other types of thepolarization-maintaining fiber with equal success.

[0099] The advantages of the method and the apparatus for fabricating amulti-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly has followingadvantages.

[0100] (1) The process for inserting the polarization-maintaining fibersinto the inner space of the multi-fiber ferrule is eased.

[0101] (2) The process for inserting the polarization-maintaining fibersinto the corresponding fiber holes of the multi-fiber ferrule is eased.

[0102] (3) The relatively low viscosity thermoset resin hardly disturbsthe insertion of the polarization-maintaining fibers into thecorresponding fiber holes.

[0103] (4) The relatively low viscosity thermoset resin filled in theinner space of the multi-fiber ferrule is inhibited from being absorbedinto the insertion hole of the holder tube by sealing the leading end ofthe insertion hole with the relatively high viscosity thermoset resin .

[0104] (5) The clamping jig is used for adjusting the orientation ofeach polarization-maintaining filer cable, thus contributing to the easeof the operation.

[0105] (6) The thermoset resin is heated in condition with themulti-fiber ferrule secured by the clamping jig, thus easing theoperation.

[0106] Particularly, the advantage of the apparatus for fabricating amulti-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly according to thepresent invention has following advantages.

[0107] (7) The orientation of each polarization-maintaining fiber cableis automatically controlled and a duration required for its action cansignificantly be shorter than that of the manual operation by anoperator.

[0108] (8) The adjustment of the orientation is carried out accountingfor directional discrepancies of the polarization-maintaining fibercables caused with a delay after the action of driving the axialrotation is stopped.

[0109] (9) The thermoset resin is automatically heated and cured afterthe automatic adjustment on the orientation of thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables and a duration required for theheating and curing can significantly be shorter than that of the manualoperation by the operator.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of fabricating a multi-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly comprising: (1) a cover removalstep for removing covers a few centimeters at one end from a pluralityof polarization-maintaining fiber cables with difference of a fewmillimeters; (2) an assembly step for inserting thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables into an insertion hole of a holdertube, holding them integrally with their exposed fiber portions arrangedabreast at proximal end, and sealing the leading end of the insertionholes of the holder tube with a thermoset resin which is relatively highin the viscosity; (3) an adhesive filling step for filling the innerspace of a multi-fiber ferrule with a thermoset resin which is relativelow in the viscosity; (4) an fiber cable insertion step for insertingthe polarization-maintaining fiber cables assembled integral with theholder tube into the inner space of the multi-fiber ferrule, andinserting thier exposed fiber portions into corresponding fiber holes ofthe multi-fiber ferrule; (5) an orientation adjustment step for, whileclamping the multi-fiber ferrule with a clamping jig not to be turned,rotating each of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables to determineits orientation; and (6) an adhesive curing step for heating up themulti-fiber ferrule remaining clamped by the clamping jig to cure thethermoset resins.
 2. An apparatus for fabricating a multi-fiberpolarization-maintaining fiber assembly comprising: a clamping jig andan orientation adjusting unit, the claiming jig including a ferruleclamping means for clamping a multi-fiber ferrule so as not to berotated and an fiber cable clamping means for clampingpolarization-maintaining fiber cables so as to be rotated, theorientation adjusting unit including an imaging means for imaging aleading end of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables held in themulti-fiber ferrule clamped by the clamping jig, an image processingmeans for identifying the orientation of each of thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables based on each image of the leadingend of the polarization-maintaining fiber cables, and an orientationadjustment controlling means for controllably driving the fiber cableclamping means to axially rotate each of the polarization-maintainingfiber cables for automatically adjusting the orientation of each of thepolarization-maintaining fiber cables.
 3. An apparatus for fabricating amulti-fiber polarization-maintaining fiber assembly according to claim2, wherein the orientation adjustment controlling means is arranged toaxially rotate the polarization-maintaining fiber cables and when astabilization time has been passed, check the orientation.
 4. Anapparatus for fabricating a multi-fiber polarization-maintaining fiberassembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the clamping jig includes aheating means for heating up the multi-fiber ferrule clamped by theferrule clamping means, and the orientation adjusting unit includes aheatup controlling means for controllably driving the heating, after theorientation adjustment, to heat and cure the thermoset resins.